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Frequently Asked Questions

Our staff is committed to keeping you informed about your procedure at our cosmetic plastic surgery practice in Palm Desert, serving Palm Springs and Riverside. We hope you find this page informative and educational. Please let us know if we may answer any other questions you might have pertaining to our products and services.

General Questions

What is the recovery time for a facial surgery?

Generally between 10 days to 2 weeks, depending on the particular areas addressed during surgery. Get answers to additional facial surgery questions on our Facelift and Neck Lift FAQ page.

What is the recovery time for liposculpture?

Anywhere from 3 to 10 days, depending on the areas involved and the amount of excess fat removed. Many patients visiting us from Palm Springs or Riverside for cosmetic plastic surgery combine liposuction with other procedures, in which case the recovery period may be longer. Get answers to additional liposuction questions on our Liposuction FAQ page.

Is financing available?

Yes, we do have a number of financing options available, similar to obtaining a credit card.

May I use my insurance?

No, we are not part of any provider networks.

What do you charge for consultations?

Both Dr. Zakhireh and Dr. Taylor offer complimentary consultations to all patients.

Where are you located?

We are located on Alessandro Drive between San Pablo and San Luis Rey, north of Highway 111 in Palm Desert, CA.

Laser Treatment FAQ

With so many products, lasers, procedures, etc., how do I know or choose what I need?

The physicians, nurses and estheticians at CSI are specifically trained and have years of experience. It is our absolute policy to only recommend various treatment modalities, lasers, etc., that we feel will give you the best result possible.

With all the lasers you have, how do you know what is best for me?

We have a full-time laser specialty RN, whose expertise and years of experience are invaluable – not to mention her honesty and candidness in your options. If she has any questions, she will consult with one of our physicians.

What is the Levulan Blu-U® Light Treatment? Is there any downtime? Does it work for sun and acne damaged skin?

Levulan (aminolevulonic acid) is a clear, liquid gel-like material that is applied to one's skin. After approximately 30 minutes, Levulan converts the sun-damaged cells of the skin into 'receptor sites' which when treated with Blu Light, pulse dye or IPL, removes damaged red and brown cells, leaving the skin dramatically smoother. In addition, this treatment promotes the disappearance of pre-malignant cancer cells.

There will be some sensitivity and downtime – the more sun-damage one has, the longer the recovery – generally around seven days.

Yes, this treatment can be used for sun or acne damaged skin. The more sun and/or acne damage to the skin, the longer the recovery – generally from a few days to a couple weeks.

To get rid of wrinkles, why do you choose the Sciton Erbium Laser over the CO2 Laser? What is the normal downtime? Is there much pain or discomfort?

We've been utilizing resurfacing lasers since 1994, and we've learned that the Erbium Laser results in faster healing, less redness, and virtually no color change at all – versus significant bleaching at the jawline and much longer healing with the CO2 Laser.

Downtime ranges from a few days to 2 weeks.

The Erbium Laser typically feels like a sunburn.

Lipo-Tuck FAQ

What is a tummy tuck?

In a tummy tuck, the skin of the abdomen is lifted up to expose the muscles, which are then tightened. The excess skin is then trimmed away to rejuvenate the abdomen.

What is a Lipo-Tuck?

This procedure is a combination of a tummy tuck and liposuction of the torso to give a sculpted hour-glass figure to the waistline.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck or Lipo-Tuck?

Usually people that have had their abdominal muscles stretched out due to pregnancy or excessive weight gain.

Will my belly button be moved?

No, your belly button will stay in the same spot and will remain an "innie" belly button.

How much weight will I lose as a result of this procedure?

Depending on how heavy you are to begin with, on average between 10 and 20 pounds, and 4 dress sizes!

Are there any additional benefits to this procedure?

The biggest benefit is that tightening the abdomen will leave the stomach with less room to expand, so you will feel full faster and end up losing more weight after this procedure!